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REFERENCE TITLE: office of new Americans |
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State of Arizona Senate Fifty-sixth Legislature Second Regular Session 2024
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SB 1538 |
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Introduced by Senators Mendez: Alston, Bravo, Burch, Gabaldón, Gonzales, Hernandez, Miranda, Sundareshan; Representatives Aguilar, Crews
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An Act
amending title 41, chapter 14, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding article 6; relating to the department of economic security.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Title 41, chapter 14, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding article 6, to read:
ARTICLE 6. OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS
41-2031. Office of new Americans; duties
A. The office of new Americans is established within the department.
B. The office shall:
1. Respond to inquiries from state agencies, the media, immigration-serving organizations and the public regarding immigration issues in this state.
2. Serve as the point of contact for state licensing boards and as an information clearinghouse for state agencies on immigration-related policy issues and coordinate among state agencies as appropriate.
3. Analyze economic and demographic trends and make policy recommendations to the governor.
4. Develop strategies to attract, retain and incorporate immigrants into this state.
5. Ensure that this state is gathering relevant data to inform its policymakers on immigrant issues.
6. Convene stakeholders in business development and international trade promotion programs to increase their capacity to draw on immigrant contributors.
7. Disseminate information to new and prospective immigrant residents of this state who wish to invest capital, launch businesses or apply their skills in this state.
8. Convene municipal officials to boost peer learning on immigration possibilities among cities and towns struggling with population loss and economic decline.
9. Convene college and university officials to foster learning on strategies for immigrant and international student retention.
10. Provide matching grants for high-quality immigration and economic development programs that can demonstrate corporate or philanthropic investment.
11. Evaluate success of activities and adjust courses as appropriate.
41-2031.01. Advisory committee to the office of new Americans; membership; duties
A. The advisory committee to the office of new Americans is established within the office and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the office in matters regarding immigrants in this state. The office shall staff and administer the committee.
B. The committee consists of the following members:
1. The director of the department of economic security or the director's designee. The director shall serve as chairperson of the committee.
2. The director of the department of administration or the director's designee.
3. The superintendent of public instruction or the superintendent's designee.
4. The director of the department of health services or the director's designee.
5. The chief executive officer of the Arizona commerce authority or the chief executive officer's designee.
6. The director of the department of transportation or the director's designee.
7. The director of the department of public safety or the director's designee.
8. The following members who are appointed by the governor:
(a) Two members from an organization that attracts, retains and integrates immigrants into this state.
(b) One member of an immigration lawyers association.
(c) One member from an institution of higher education who has a primary focus on immigration issues.
(d) One member from a chamber of commerce.
(e) One member with expertise in accessing language resources for those who use English as a second language.
(f) One member from the banking industry.
(g) One member from a workforce training agency.
(h) One member from the health care industry.
(i) One member from the health insurance industry.
(j) One member from a human services agency.
(k) One member from a refugee resettlement agency.
C. Members who are appointed pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 8 of this section serve three-year terms as long as they represent the interest of the membership class for which they were appointed.
D. Committee members are not eligible to receive compensation, but members appointed by the governor are eligible for reimbursement of expenses under title 38, chapter 4, article 2.
E. The committee shall:
1. Make recommendations to the governor and the director on policies, procedures, regulations and legislation that help attract, retain and integrate immigrants into this state.
2. SErve as the governor's liaison to new Americans on policies, procedures, regulations and legislation that affect immigrants, in order to ensure that state government is accessible, accountable and responsive to their needs.
3. Serve as a resource to all agencies, commissions and boards to ensure that these government entities are cognizant of the needs of immigrants and that their respective services and programs are accessible to immigrants.
4. Work with the office to monitor the practices of state agencies relating to attracting, retaining and integrating immigrants in order to maximize the efficiency of and accessibility to state government.
5. perform other duties as the governor and director may assign in planning for services and programs for immigrants.
F. The committee may conduct studies and issue reports on request, and as it deems necessary, on issues affecting immigrants.
G. The committee shall conduct at least one public hearing each year to receive testimony and public comments on how state government can improve in attracting, retaining and integrating immigrants in this state.
H. The committee may establish ad hoc work groups or local committees to assist in research and other duties necessary to carry out the mission of the office.